“Wet Leg’s” Off-The-Wall, Unassuming Debut
Self-titled debut offers polished post-punk with sarcastic, witty writing
By indie standards, Wet Leg has become a viral sensation. Catapulted by their 2021 breakout single “Chaise Lounge,” this new indie rock duo from the Isle of Wight has burst onto the scene. Their debut, self-titled album “Wet Leg” hit #1 on the UK albums chart and is now being taken around the world on tour.
Formed by Isle of Wight College friends Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, the two have been playing together under Domino Recording Company since 2019. Their first recordings were not released until 2021, when Wet Leg’s distinctive new sound on “Chaise Lounge” made its way around all different types of indie circles and playlists.
This 12-track album, at its core, is simple, buzzing post-punk music. Most of the tracks on “Wet Leg” feature discreet bass lines and drum beats which, when paired with playful lyricism and melodic guitar writing, make for an engaging sonic experience. So, while post-punk may have seen its heyday in decades past, this contribution feels right in line with titans of the genre like “Joy Division” or newer takes like “Alvvays.”
Though what resonates most upon first listen is the witty, sarcastic songwriting and eccentric deliveries throughout “Wet Leg.” While many of the tracks feature soft accompaniment from well-placed vocal harmonization, the majority also see Teasdale offering delicate, staccato performances on her to-the-point lyrics. While it might raise the barrier of entry for some listeners, these unique vocals ultimately add to the catchy, yet unconventional sound of Wet Leg.
Teasdale starts off strong with some double entendres on the opening lines of “Chaise Lounge:”
“Mummy, daddy, look at me / I went to school and I got a degree / All my friends call it the big D / I went to school and I got the big D”
And again on the same song, this time pulling a quote from 2004’s “Mean Girls:”
“Is your muffin buttered? / Would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin? / Excuse me (What?)”
As the album gets going, the instrumentation and production mostly stay in the satisfying, distorted sound of post-punk. However, each song jumps around between themes of impassioned revenge, getting older post-college and the frequent absurdity of dating.
While most of this lyrical exploration is played as tongue-in-cheek, some of the cuts become more vulnerable as the album progresses. Teasdale opens up on “Loving You:”
“I used to want to love you like you wanted me to / Now I wanna hate you like I tell you I do / Sorry if I seem a little bit upset / When you say she looks a little bit like me / When we first met”
Another unique feature of Wet Leg’s sound is the pacing and variety of mood throughout the album. Unlike many track lists, where louder, more radio-ready tracks go up top, and the sound begins to slow, “Wet Leg” switches back and forth between upbeat, pulsing guitar riffs and more drawn-out, swinging compositions. While both speeds are united by similar tones and effects, the routine shifts offer an intriguing juxtaposition.
So, even if the album begins to lag or feel one-note, the songwriting is self-aware enough to look past where the project may lack in depth. At its finish, what remains after a 36-minute runtime is a bold introduction to this prominent new duo.